Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Seoul, Korea
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Seungwon Lee, Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, 815 Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Korea. Tel.: +82 2 3399 1630; Fax: +82 2 3399 1639; E-mail: swlee@syu.ac.kr.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although commonly used in clinical settings, evidence regarding the beneficial effectiveness of joint mobilization and therapeutic exercise in patients with stroke is still lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of mid-thoracic spine mobilization and therapeutic exercise on dynamic balance and inspiratory function in patients with subacute stroke. METHODS: The participants included 33 patients with subacute stroke. Participants were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: (1) a group that received segmental mobilization (T4-8), and (2) a group that received foam roller exercises (T4-8). Outcome measure included the limits of stability (LOS), inspiratory function, and global rating of change (GRC). RESULTS:The improvement in inspiratory function was statistically significant at 4 and 6 weeks after the initiation of the intervention and changes in the LOS were statistically significant at 6 weeks in the mobilization group (p< 0.05). In addition, 15 of 17 (88.2%) participants in the mobilization group, compared to 9 of 16 participants (56.2%) in the exercise group, indicated a GRC score of +4 or higher at the 4-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates that patients with subacute stroke who receive mid-thoracic spine mobilization demonstrate effective short-term improvements in LOS and GRC.
